River Restoration Design and Permitting

Crosby Brook Restoration Designs and ConstructionFEA carried out Phases 1 and 2 Stream Geomorphic Assessments for an urbanizing watershed in Brattleboro, Vermont that drains to the Connecticut River.Historically, Crosby Brook sustained a native brook trout fishery and provided a cold-water refuge from the Connecticut River; however the fishery is currently degraded by increased sediment loading due to changes in watershed hydrology (i.e., stormwater runoff) and bank instability. In an effort to improve the biotic conditions and reduce fluvial erosion hazards, SGA data was collected to better understand the physical stability and biotic habitat within the watershed at the reach scale. Stream crossings were evaluated along the entire channel network for geomorphic compatibility and aquatic organism passage. The SGA data was used to identify specific project areas where active (e.g., culvert replacements) or passive (e.g., buffer plantings) restoration approaches will enhance the biotic habitat. Following SGA Phases 1 and 2, FEA was contracted again by Windham County Natural Resources Conservation District (WCNRCD) to further develop a Stream Corridor Plan, generate Fluvial Erosion Hazard Zones, develop detailed planting plans for three sites in the Crosby Brook corridor, and carry out a slope stabilization approach using natural materials and terracing (see image). An additional floodplain restoration plan in the lower watershed, funded by Section 319 funds, was carried out in 2011-12. FEA conducted Phase 3 SGA surveys and modeling of watershed hydrology and reach-scale hydraulics in support of a natural restoration design to restore equilibrium conditions and improve biotic habitat.

Rock River Channel Restoration: Alternatives Analysis, Design, and Permitting Fitzgerald Environmental Associates, LLC., with the support of additional sub-consultant engineers and scientists, carried out an alternatives analysis to evaluate stream restoration approaches for a small stream impacted by agricultural land use in the Rock River watershed. The design process included detailed site surveys and plans (Phase 3 geomorphic assessment, GPS, GIS, and CAD), hydrologic and hydraulic modeling to determine the frequency of channel flooding, and a water quality analysis to predict downstream pollutant loading. The overall objective of the project was to work with NRPC, VTDEC, and the agricultural landowner to develop restoration recommendations and a final design to: (1) improve floodplain access and thus on-site retention of sediment and phosphorus, and (2) improve aquatic habitat in the riparian corridor. The selected alternative included the removal of a floodplain berm, a series of root wad and woody debris installations along the channel to increase roughness and improve habitat (drafting plan below - credit D. Redondo), floodplain depressionsto improve sediment and nutrient retention, and native woody plantings in the riparian corridor.